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The heat of entry is not caused by gravity; it is caused by resistance by the atmosphere. Since the atmosphere of Mars is much thinner than Earth's there would be less heating on entry. So yes, the space shuttle could probably withstand the heat. There would be another problem, though. In the final stages before landing on Earth, the space shuttle flies in for a landing much like an ordinary airplane. The atmosphere of Mars is too thin to support such flight, so the shuttle would simply crash.
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Why is there only tiles on the bottom of the space shuttle?
There are tiles on the entire space shuttle. Every square inch is covered in tiles. The nose, bottom and leading edges of the space shuttle have black tiles while the rest of the space shuttle has white tiles. The nose leading edges and the bottom of the shuttle are the portions of the shuttle that get the most friction/heat from the atmosphere during re-entry.
What stops a space shuttle burning up?
The space shuttle is protected from burning up during re-entry by its heat shield, made of materials that can withstand the intense heat generated by friction with the Earth's atmosphere. This heat shield dissipates the heat away from the shuttle, allowing it to safely re-enter the Earth's atmosphere without burning up.
How does a space shuttle resist gravity when coming back to Earth?
As the space shuttle re-enters Earth's atmosphere, it uses its shape and heat shield to create aerodynamic lift, which counteracts the force of gravity pulling it down. It also utilizes thrusters and control surfaces to maintain a controlled descent trajectory. Additionally, the shuttle's velocity and angle of approach are carefully calculated to reduce the effects of gravity during re-entry.
How much energy is required for the space shuttle to return to earth?
The space shuttle required approximately 500 million Joules of energy for re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. This energy was mainly used to slow down the shuttle and withstand the heat generated during re-entry.
Why don't space shuttles burn when they enter the atmosphere?
Space shuttles are equipped with heat-resistant materials such as thermal protection tiles that absorb and dissipate the intense heat generated during re-entry. These tiles prevent the shuttle from burning up by providing a buffer between the spacecraft and the heat of re-entry. Additionally, the shuttle's shape and angle of entry help distribute heat evenly across its surface.
Why does the space shuttle need tiles?
The tiles on the space shuttle form a heat shield. The shuttle enters the Earth's atmosphere at high speed, which creates very high temperatures that would burn up the vehicle if it was not protected.
If a space shuttle is exiting the atmosphere do the windows turn red from the heat?
If the space shuttle is exiting the atmosphere, that means you are going into space then no the windows will not turn red. However if you are entering the atmosphere the friction caused by air molecules hitting the orbiter will create plasma around the shuttle. You will see a reddish orange glow out the windows but the windows themselves will not turn red.
How many heat resistant tiles are there on a space shuttle?
There are over 24,000 heat-resistant tiles on a space shuttle, designed to protect the vehicle during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. These tiles are made from materials like silica fibers and ceramics to withstand the extreme temperatures experienced during re-entry.
How does a space shuttle cause friction?
A space shuttle still has to leave the atmosphere, we aren't building them in space. While leaving the atmosphere a space shuttle causes a lot of friction as it rubs against the air on the way up.
What color is a space shuttle?
A space shuttle is typically white to help reflect heat from the sun. The white color helps to maintain a stable temperature for the spacecraft and protect it from extreme heat during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.
What keeps the space shuttle from burning up when returning to Earth?
The space shuttle is protected from burning up when returning to Earth by its heat-resistant tiles and thermal protection system. These tiles are designed to withstand the extreme heat generated during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.
Why is it necessary for the space shuttle to have a heat shield?
The friction created by the atmosphere of the Earth and the belly of the shuttle would create so much plasma that the metal would melt off and the shuttle would explode.
